Patent GB-737360-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to the suspension of vehicles
IPC: B60G21/10
Filed: 1953-11-03
Abstract: 737,360. Spring suspensions; preventing lateral canting; adjusting body height. FEDERSPIEL, J. Nov. 3, 1953 [Nov. 4, 1952], No. 30405/53. Class 108 (2). A vehicle suspension system comprises, at any point in the chain of the suspension members comprised between the axle and chassis of the vehicle, a lifting member of variable length, forming part of a servo mechanism which also comprises two devices controlling the variations in length of the lifting member, one of these devices being quick-acting and the other slowacting, the control devices being made dependent on the position of predetermined members of the suspension in relation to reference positions. As shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3 in which a fluid operated jack member A, is connected in series with a suspension spring E, a quick-acting control device F and a slow-acting control device H and retarding system L act respectively on a group of distributers M and N which from a power source O supply power to the jack A to vary its length in the required manner. The devices F and H are actuated respectively in dependence upon the extension or contraction of spring E, and the distance between the associated wheel axle and the vehicle frame. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown), the jack is attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to one end of the spring, the other end of the latter being connected to the axle. In an embodiment of the Fig. 3 arrangement, Fig. 5 in which a road wheel D is carried by a lever arm f pivoted to the frame B, and in which the free end of the arm f is pivoted to a jack A located between the arm and a spring E, levers p and q pivoted on the frame and connected respectively to attachment points a and b of the jack A, control valve-type distributers U, W and V, Y which govern the admission or expulsion of fluid from the jack. The arrangement is such that in operation, rapid oscillations of wheel D causing corresponding extensions and contractions of spring E effect corresponding extensions and contractions of the jack A by virtue of the actuation of the distributers U and W of the quick-acting device by the lever p. Similarly distributers V and Y of the slow acting device control the extension or contraction of the jack in the case of slower oscillations of the wheel D to maintain the distance between the frame and wheel axle. The invention is applicable to leaf spring, coil spring and torsion bar suspensions, Figs. 6 to 8 (not shown). In the arrangement according to Fig. 9, the jack and suspension spring are combined to form a telescopic suspension unit comprising a compression spring E within a cylinder 13 fixed to the vehicle frame B and a jack A comprising a ram r having a fixed hollow rod connected to a feed pipe k and slidable in a cylinder bearing on the spring E. In the arrangement according to Figs. 10 and 12, means are provided to (a) appropriately stiffen the suspension to avoid the tilting effects due to braking and acceleration and (b) counteract the effects of centrifugal force on rounding corners. As shown, the arrangement corresponds to that of Fig. 5, the valves U, W, V and Y being controlled by lever p pivotally connected to a bar 32 and lever q pivotally connected to a bar 34. Additional distributers I and J are controlled by a lever 38 which is provided with two stops 41, for a spring loaded sleeve 43, an inner portion of which maintains the valve of distributer I open. Springs 44 maintain the lever 38 on the mid position shown in Fig. 10. The arrangement is such that, under braking conditions the lever is moved to close valve I and open valve J, thereby to admit pressure fluid to the jack which restores the relative positions of the wheel and frame. In order to counteract the effects of centrifugal force on curves, a jack K, Fig. 12, pivoted at a point 60 is articulated to a pivoted link system 62, 64, 621, 64<SP>1</SP>, the links terminating in bevel gears 72, 74, 72<SP>1</SP>, 741 to which are connected the bars 32, 34 at each side of the vehicle. Additional distributers P and X are controlled by a pendulum 79. In operation, movement of the pendulum to the left opens valve P, which contracts the jack K to displace in opposite directions, the pairs of bars 32, and 34 causing levers p and q to open valves V and U on one side of the vehicle and levers p<SP>1</SP> and q<SP>1</SP> to open similar valves on the other side. As a result the jack A on one side is contracted and that on the other side is extended. The operation may be modified by the inclusion of a cock 82. In order to maintain the height of the vehicle frame above ground independent of load, links 33, Fig. 10, are replaced by a dashpot, Fig. 25 (not shown). In a modification, a single pendulum may replace the pendulum 79 and weights 45. The linkage 62, 64, 62<SP>1</SP>, 64<SP>1</SP>, bevel gears and bars 32, 34, may be replaced by hydraulic means, Fig. 23 (not shown) or by a cable system, Fig. 24 (not shown). Also the jack A may be electric.